As you stroll through Amsterdam, whether by bike, boat or on foot, you are sure to get lost in the canals. The three major canals – Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht – sculpt the city’s watery, concentric horseshoes and offer hours of sightseeing. But some of our favorite places in Amsterdam exist along its “little” canals. Here, find our favorite of Amsterdam’s little canals and the charming bridges, buildings, and landmarks that will make them your own too.
01
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Reguliersgracht
Direction
Reguliersgracht, 1017 Amsterdam, The NetherlandsGet directions
The seven (or eight, depending on which ones you count) illuminated humpbacked bridges that cross this tranquil canal are essentially Amsterdam and make perfect photos. Largely residential, the Reguliersgracht is home to a few small cafes and restaurants and one of the most charming little hotels in town, the aptly named Seven Bridges Hotel.
Where to find it: in the east canal belt of Amsterdam, near the Rembrandtplein.
02
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Leidsegracht
Direction
Leidsegracht, Amsterdam, The NetherlandsGet directions
This canal offers a quiet respite from the busy street a block away with a similar name (Leidsestraat). The canal houses on the Leidsegracht are among the most beautiful in Amsterdam, with their gables leaning over tree-lined streets and brick walls. Some of the best views include looking north to see the back and high church steeples of Krijtberg and look west at the intersection of the great Keizersgracht canal.
Where to find it: in the central canal belt of Amsterdam, near Leidseplein.
03
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Brouwersgracht
Direction
Brouwersgracht, Amsterdam, The NetherlandsGet directions
Not as small as some of the other canals on the list (some sections are wide enough for houseboats on either side), the ‘Brewers’ canal’ is home to dozens of excellent examples of 17th century Dutch architecture, including several old warehouses. (now apartments) with huge windows and painted arched blinds. The neighborhood, the Jordaan , evokes the sense of tranquility that you will find here.
Where to find it: In the western belt of the Amsterdam canal, near Noordermarkt.
04
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Bloemgracht
Direction
Bloemgracht, Amsterdam, The NetherlandsGet directions
Who wouldn’t love a channel called “flower channel”? The quiet Bloemgracht represents the reason so many people want to live in this part of the Jordaan neighborhood. Among its beautiful canal houses is gabled passage No. 87-91, dating from 1642.
Where to find it: On the West Canal Belt in Amsterdam, near Westerkerk.
05
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Egelantiersgracht
Direction
Egelantiersgracht, 1015 Amsterdam, The NetherlandsGet directions
Like neighboring Bloemgracht, the Egelantiersgracht (named for a type of wild heather or honeysuckle) is the epitome of a quiet, tree-lined canal in a residential area. It is also home to one of our favorite little cafes, Café ‘t Smalle (on the corner of Prinsengracht).
Where to find it: On the West Canal Belt in Amsterdam, near Westerkerk.
06
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Groenburgwal
Direction
Groenburgwal, 1011 Amsterdam, The NetherlandsGet directions
If you’re wandering the somewhat confusing streets of the old city center and you come across a canal view that stops you in your tracks and makes you instantly reach for your camera, you may have reached the Groenburgwal. The view of this small canal towards the Zuiderkerk is straight out of a postcard.
Where to find it: in the old town of Amsterdam, near Zuiderkerk.
07
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Leliegracht
Direction
Leliegracht, Amsterdam, The NetherlandsGet directions
Most canal cruises turn down the little Leliegracht (‘lily canal’) right next to one of our favorite Spanjer café terraces by van Twist, offering visitors a unique city perspective they won’t find anywhere else. place other than Amsterdam. If you go on foot, do not miss the large specialized bookstores on this channel.
Where to find it: On the West Canal Belt in Amsterdam, near Westerkerk.
08
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Oudezijds Achterburgwal
Direction
Oudezijds Achterburgwal, 1012 Amsterdam, The NetherlandsGet directions
Certainly difficult to pronounce, this easy-to-love canal forces you to look beyond the nearby Red Light District and with its canopy of trees and the parade of some of Amsterdam’s most historic architecture. The neighboring University of Amsterdam gives this area a young and vibrant atmosphere.
Where to find it: in the old town of Amsterdam, near the Oude Kerk.
Continue to 9 of 9 below.
09
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Spiegelgracht
Direction
Spiegelgracht, 1017 Amsterdam, The NetherlandsGet directions
The smallest of all the canals on this list, the short Spiegelgracht is one of our favorites because of the beautiful shops that line its streets (it quickly turns into a paved street called the Nieuwe Spiegelstraat). This area is known as Spiegelkwartier , the old unofficial neighborhood of Amsterdam and one of its best shopping areas. Generally busy with bike traffic, this little canal is cute but not always quiet.
Where to find it: in the central belt of the Amsterdam canal, near the Rijksmuseum.
Updated by Kristen from Joseph.
